PM Modi's 'forgive' video draws Congress retort: 'Country asks apology, he forgives country'
The Congress on Friday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his video message in which he said he wanted to forgive the youth involved in the protests over NEET irregularities. The party's media and publicity department head Pawan Khera, in a post on X, said that while the country was asking the Prime Minister to apologise, he had instead “forgiven the country”.
Mr. Khera's remark came after Mr. Modi released a video message on Instagram late Thursday night, in which he said he and his late mother were subjected to abusive language at Jantar Mantar during the protests, but asserted that dragging “misguided children” into court would not resolve the problem.
“Listen to this. The country is asking him to apologise, yet he has forgiven the country,” Mr. Khera said in Hindi on X, sharing a clip of the Prime Minister's video.
In the video, Mr. Modi said he could understand the anguish prevailing in society, but stressed that this was the time to embrace the youth and guide them on the right path. “Not only was I subjected to abusive language at Jantar Mantar, but even my late mother was abused there. But abuses never solve anything; let's guide the misguided,” he said.
The Prime Minister described the students as “misguided children” and said punishing them or making them go through court proceedings would not solve the problem. “I want to forgive them. People make mistakes, but this is a cultural shock that our daughters are using such abusive language. We must forgive our youth who were misguided; after all, they are our children. It's our duty to show them the right path,” he said.
The protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi were part of a larger nationwide agitation over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted by the National Testing Agency. Students and parents demanded a thorough investigation, cancellation of the exam, and action against those responsible.
The political confrontation over the issue has intensified in recent weeks. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have accused the government of shielding the culprits and have demanded the resignation of senior officials. The government, for its part, has maintained that the matter is being handled by the courts and that action has been taken against those found guilty.
Mr. Modi's video was seen as an attempt to address the emotional anger among students and parents. However, his use of the phrase “forgive” drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders, who argued that the real need was for accountability and an apology for the alleged lapses in the examination process.
The Congress leader's retort reflects the charged political atmosphere, with both sides using social media to press their narratives. The issue is likely to remain a key flashpoint in the coming days, with the opposition planning further protests and the government defending its record.
Political analysts note that Mr. Modi's personal and emotional appeal is a deliberate strategy to soften the impact of the controversy. Yet, the underlying demand for a transparent investigation and clear answers from the authorities remains unresolved.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on the students and their families, who have been waiting for justice. The shifting political exchanges, while important, do not diminish the core questions about fairness in the examination system and the assurance that such irregularities will not recur.
